In this guide I am going to explain the different types of nail service that are available in a salon
So, you have been thinking about going to get you nails done in a salon. Whether you are a complete novice or have not been for a while this guide will help you. Even if you are a regular salon goer it won’t hurt to brush up on some of that salon lingo.
So how do we decide on the best nail service for our cutesy fingers and toes? How we can know which treatment will suit our needs and give the desired outcome?
Here we are going to talk about the different types of nail service and what each one involves. So lets got cracking (not any nails, I hope)!
Manicures for the hands
Improve or maintain the condition of your natural nails and hands with a manicure. Having a manicure will encourage healthy nail growth. While leaving you feeling relaxed and your fingers looking polished to perfection.
All manicures consist of filing and shaping of the free edge. followed by the application of your favourite regular nail polish colour.
You will find upgrade options available for a longer luxurious manicure treatment. These extended treatments are great for skin softening and deep conditioning. They will include cuticle conditioning, exfoliation, heated mitts and a relaxing hand massage.
The length of time it takes to have a manicure ranges between 30-60 minutes. You will also need to allow for at least 20 minutes drying time after. Though the polish will not be dry all the way through and you will still need to act with caution.
Pedicure for the feet
These treatments focus on conditioning the toes and skin on your feet. Regular monthly foot treatments will help to maintain dry skin and cracked heels. Look out for extra addons. Including hard skin smoothing, exfoliation, cooling foot mask or hot paraffin wax treatment. And don’t miss out on the best nail service part, a relaxing foot massage.
Please do keep in mind that these services are for cosmetic maintenance only. If you have any of the following you will need to visit your GP or a podiatrist. Ingrown toe nails, fungal nail infections, corns, excessive calluses, verrucae, athletes foot.
Pedicure treatments can take anywhere between 30-90 minutes. Again, you will also need to allow for at least 20 minutes drying time after. Remember to bring flip flops as you wont be able to wear closed in shoes after.
What is Gel polish and Shellac?
Gel polish is a high gloss, hard wearing manicure that lasts from anywhere between 2-3 weeks. They dry straight away under a U.V Light which means you do not need to wait for the polish to dry at the end of the manicure.
These semi-permanent manicures are smudge free and give a strengthening chip resistant finish. There is no natural nail damage, as gel polish can be safely removed by a professional in around 10 minutes.
CND Shellac is the brand name of the original power polish, which forms a hybrid between nail polish and gel. Shellac is 3-free it does not contain formaldehyde, toluene or DBP (dibutyl phthalate).
The removal of gel polish uses an acetone based soak off solution. Don’t forget to book the take off as part of your treatment for the best nail service. The whole process can take anywhere between 40-60 minutes. But you wont need to wait for the nails to dry when your done.
“No honey, you don’t have gel nails, you have acrylic nails with gel on top. There’s a difference.“
What methods are there for nail enhancements or nail extensions?
With enhancements you can transform your natural shape, strength and length. You can achieve the results and look that you want in an instant. These hard wearing coatings protect, correct and perfect any type of nail problem.
There are a variety of methods involved in creating extensions. Tip and overlay is the most popular way to enhance the natural nail. A plastic tip adhered to the natural nails free edge gives you instant length. Then an overlay of product, applied across the entire nail adding strength.
Sculpted nails use paper sculpting forms as a platform to build an extension without the need for a tip. The form is then removed leaving a beautiful extension.
If you already have long nails you may want to opt for a natural nail overlay. An overlay of product to the natural nail will provide strength and protection. It’s also a good method that will allow your natural nails to grow.
Nail enhancements give durable results that last for up to 3 weeks. You will need to have a maintenance appointment as the natural nails continue to grow.
An infill will fill in the regrowth gaps around the cuticle area. After 14 days the nail enhancement starts to lose its strength. A rebalance will restructure the enhancement again. Appointment times for extensions may vary between 1-2 hours.
What are the different types of nail service products are there?
So we have discussed the method but which nail products are we going to use to achieve our chosen look? There are so many options available and it will vary from salon to salon.
Most nail technicians will try to keep to one or two systems rather then trying to provide them all. Not all enhancement products will suit everyone so it’s a case of trying one to see how it fits.
Before we go any further lets clear up one common misconception. No matter which system, nail enhancement products are all acrylate (acrylic) based. All enhancement products are safe if applied, maintained, and removed in the right way.
Liquid and powder.
The most popular system more commonly known as acrylic consists of two parts, a liquid and powder. Sculpted using forms, used over tips or natural nail overlay. Using a natural hair brush to mix the liquid and powder together, forming a paste. The paste is then moulded onto the nails to give it structure. Once mixed, the liquid and powder will air dry in a matter of minutes. Be sure acrylic liquid does not contain toxic ingredients such as MMA (methyl methacrylate). To remove this system you will need to soak the nails in acetone for at least 30 minutes.
Dip Powder or SNS.
Next we have dipping powder which combines a coloured acrylic powder with a type of resin (glue). Used over tips or on natural nail. First apply the resin, brushed onto the nail and then the nail dipped into the powder. Repeat multiple times to build up the layers. To finish apply an activator which will harden the resin and powder. As with the acrylic liquid and powder, this system will need to soak in acetone to remove it.
Acrygel or Polygel
This is a pretty new system to the nail industry. We can Sculpt using forms, over tips or natural nail overlay. It combines the acrylic powder with a gel base. It comes in a toothpaste type tube and squeezed onto the nail. A liquid solution is then used with a brush to sculpt the structure of the nail. The Acrygel will need to sit under a UV light to cure. Again, to remove this system you can soak the nails in acetone.
Hard Gel
Traditional hard gel is similar to acrylic as in it uses the same chemicals in a pre mixed formula. They have the appearance of a liquid gel or similar to runny honey. Using forms, over tips or natural nail overlay. Using a synthetic bristle brush to apply the hard gel to the nail straight from the pot. Applied in thin layers or as a thick builder. Each layer of gel is set under a UV light and cured. Hard gel is not porous, solvents such as acetone can’t penetrate it. Which means you can only remove hard gel by filing.
Soft or builder gels
Soft gel, similar to gel polish begins as traditional gel. It contains extra ingredients to weaken the formula. Use over tips or natural nails. Available in a pot or in a bottle and applied in layers. Again, each layer cured under a UV light. Soak off in acetone to remove.
Fiberglass and silk wraps
Fibreglass is the most least common method now used. It combines the use of a mesh made from fibreglass or silk material with layers of resin. Used over tips, natural nail or to aid a repair. Soak off in acetone to remove.
“Nail art does not need to be perfect. It just needs to be you.“
Finishing touches for the best nail service
Pick from on trend colour finish, included in the price of your treatment. To a classic French polish finish, make sure you mention you want this kind of finish as it will take more time.
French polish is the perfect sophisticated look. White polish painted on the free edge of the nail and a natural pink, peach or beige colour over the base of the nail. This is the most popular look for bridal nails.
You can try adding some freehand nail art designs. Freehand art are hand painted nail designs. This can be added to any nail service, providing a fashion forward distinctive look. Again be sure to mention you want something different at the time of booking.
Still confused about the best nail service for the treatment of your nails? Ask for a consultation with your nail technician before you book. This will be to discuss the options and what will be the types of nail service to best go for.